Paul D’Amato, known for his portrayal of Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken in the classic hockey comedy Slap, has died. He died at the age of 76 in East Brookfield, Massachusetts, after battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease. Variety reports.
Slap Co-star Steve Carlson paid tribute to Paul D’Amato on X (formerly Twitter). “RIP Paul D’Amato,” he wrote. “Sending our deepest condolences to family, fellow friends and actors.”
D’Amato has an impressive list of credits, including the award-winning The deer Hunter, The heaven’s Door, Suspect alongside Cher and Dennis Quaid, and F/X.
However, D’Amato’s impact on pop culture doesn’t end there. John Byrne, the writer and artist behind Marvel Comics’ X-Men in the ’70s, reportedly took inspiration from D’Amato for Wolverine’s appearance in Slap.
RIP actor Paul D’Amato, who, among other things, was John Byrne’s inspiration for Wolverine’s physical appearance during his iconic run as an artist on Uncanny X-Men. pic.twitter.com/Nnhks4syTI
—Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) February 20, 2024
Paul D’Amato used his athletic and acting skills to land his ‘Slap Shot’ role
D’Amato was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and grew up in Spencer. His journey into acting began at the young age of 14 while working as a stagehand, which ignited his passion for the craft. Balancing his athletic activities and his love of acting, he showcased his talents in theater productions and as a member of the ice hockey team during his time at Emerson College.
His talents in both acting and athletics proved fruitful. In 1976, Paul D’Amato landed the role of Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken in the beloved hockey movie Slap, along with Paul Newman. Released in February 1977, the film quickly gained a dedicated fan base.
D’Amato played the main antagonist, the captain of the Syracuse Bulldogs in the fictional Federal Hockey League. His character takes on the Charlestown Chiefs, led by Newman’s Reggie Dunlop. After his success in SlapD’Amato took on another hockey role in the TV movie. The deadliestalongside Michael Moriarty and Meryl Streep.
D’Amato participated in numerous golf tournaments and charitable sporting events, notably the Enfield tournament, where he competed for a decade, contributing to scholarship funds. He actively supported the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society and frequently attended the Hartford Whalers Alumni Weekend at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.
During charity events, he proudly presented a Syracuse Bulldogs hockey jersey with the number 9 and the name McCracken. D’Amato would then personally sign it for the highest bidder, and frequently auction it to raise substantial funds for charitable causes.
He is survived by his sister Andrea and his girlfriend Marina Re.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn